Blog Post 3: Being Strategic With Digital Placement

Let’s Start Here:
Digital media doesn’t perform well just because it’s posted

Undergraduate studies taught me many things; however, some things have to be learned rather than taught. One lesson, in particular, is how important digital media placement can be when trying to execute a campaign successfully.

The marketing mix is remembered by “The 4 P’s” – product, price, PLACEMENT and promotion. Each of these “P’s” are equally important but it seems in real-world execution, “placement” gets overshadowed by the other “P’s”.

In a digital media focused campaign, placement is the decision of when, where, how and how often you’re going to post about the topic. This seems like something that needs to be considered strategically, correct?

Keywords: Placement | Execution | Strategic

As a communication professional, it is crucial to understand the communities we influence. Actions speak louder than words, and in this case that refers to how we place our media for the public to engage. Digital media is malleable (almost to a fault) and can be manipulated to intercept audiences intended and unintended. All things considered, don’t think the intended audience will engage with the content if the content isn’t targeted to them; moreover, no audience is going to be engaged if the content isn’t attractive and actively trying to gain their time and attention.

How do you gain the time & attention of audiences?

1. Use LIVE functions on social channels

Pulling from a Forbes article from 2017, think about how your brand can relate to audiences by using LIVE features. Does your audience want information on new products as they arrive or as they’re available? Does your audience want to see what is new with your organization? Using LIVE functions on social platforms enables your audience to join you in real-time as you give them the content they wish to see.

2. Tell a story through your feed

Whether it’s for a week, month or quarter, give your audience a storyline to follow. This can be especially useful for an organization that relies on heavy community support rather than generic content that seems like it’s thrown out there just for likes or because it’s “a nice, pretty picture.”

3. Don’t be afraid of influencer marketing

The traditional relationship building in public relations with gatekeepers (news producers, reporters, journalists, etc.) is still useful for print and broadcast coverage; nevertheless, when it comes to digital media strategy building relationships with influencers of all sizes can be instrumental in the success of an organization’s campaign. Influencers from nano-sized to mega-sized can be useful to an organization, especially when they’re advocating for your brand.

Yes, there may be costs associated with sponsoring an influencer’s content but the reward is worth the cost. When your audience sees modern gatekeepers supporting your brand, they’ll want to support your brand.

Be careful when choosing an influencer, as their actions can reflect on your organization in a myriad of ways.

4. Be transparent as an organization

Audiences love to see the people behind the magic of an organization. Instead of posting team pictures, highlight specific employees and ask your audience to engage with them directly with the content.

Ex) Post a picture of an employee on their birthday and have your audience comment “Happy Birthday (insert name)!”

Ex) Have your audience give their opinions on certain projects to gather real-time research results (if applicable and with client consent).

5. COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT

Engagement is a two-way street – consumers engage with the brand’s content and the brand should engage with them. This builds a relationship (or community) with the audience and then shows them that there are real people behind the scenes who post, comment and share stories. Take time daily to answer DMs personally, comment back to your audience and even share their UGC (user-generated content).

Keywords: Community | Gatekeepers | Transparent | Real

Above all, be creative in your digital media efforts. Audiences get bored with constant advertising (literally everywhere you look, there’s an ad of some kind), so give them something to remember. 

Placement is key to digital media’s success

Blog Post 2: “It Ain’t Easy”

Let’s Start Here:
Public Relations isn’t an “easy” thing

As an upcoming UL grad, I’ve heard many times, from friends and family alike, that PR seems like an “easy” thing to study. It’s incredibly disheartening to hear those comments, but let’s talk about a few reasons why PR isn’t an “easy” thing to have studied and now practice.

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) defines Public Relations as “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics” (PRSA, here). 

KEYWORDS: STRATEGIC  | RELATIONSHIPS | ORGANIZATIONS | PUBLICS 

The art of public relations is not accomplished overnight. The strategies developed to serve as a mechanism for campaigns are carefully crafted to an array of specific objectives. Moreover, the process to teach these skills to an individual is a tedious road to follow. 

A PR professional works with an organization, company, government, or individual to cultivate a story that portrays that client’s reputation, idea, product, position, or accomplishment in a positive light. So, in a sense, you can think of PR professionals as storytellers,” (HubSpot, here).

KEYWORDS: CULTIVATE | STORY | PORTRAY | REPUTATION | POSITIVE | STORYTELLER

Many individuals find themselves more brand loyal to some products, goods, or services more than others. This results in a by-product of performed public relations. A PR professional must be able to produce works for their client’s public to build and strengthen relationships. This is methodical and strategic, mixed with creativity and innovation. 

From the ideation to the development, the pitch, and then to the programming, specialists tell their clients’ stories to the world for all to hear. This takes planning and attention to detail.

However

Most PR Practitioners know what they’re getting themselves into. They love the hustle and bustle from day-to-day. PR Pros don’t mind the hectic schedules, because they live for the thrill of it. 

The work is tiresome, but it’s worth it. The work may cause headaches, but it’s worth it. It becomes fun because it never feels like work.

This isn’t easy just because it’s fun.

 

Blog Post 1: Why a Young, Fresh Public Relations Professional is the Right Answer

Let’s Start Here: 

There’s a huge difference between “Good PR” and “Bad PR.”

Imagine booking a flight with a company that does not communicate to their passengers all of the amenities offered to them. Would you choose to fly with them?

Now, imagine booking a flight with a company that emails their passengers one week prior to their flight departure with all of the amenities offered on their specific flight!

That’s the difference between good and bad public relations.

With the difference in mind, why are the emerging PR pros taking charge in today’s industry?

Many young, professionals are leaving their academic careers and are ready to begin working wholeheartedly for their upcoming employer. These are the best individuals to hire because they embody three main values: Determination, Organized & Boldness.

Determination

As entry-level professionals, these emerging leaders are ready to work tirelessly to achieve maximum results. This can bring a much-needed energy boost to the workplace for the middle and upper-level management that may feel stagnant in their careers. 

Organization

The organization of a professional may be one of the most vital attributes to possess in today’s workforce. From the hassle between virtual and in-person life, there can be things that slip through the cracks if you aren’t an organized individual. Today’s new business individuals have just completed an education during a global pandemic. The skill of organization is now fabricated into society’s social structure.

Boldness

When thinking of boldness in today’s workplace, you may not know where to look. The answer is right in front of you: a young, fresh Public Relations Professional. However, the soon-to-be careered practitioners are bold in various aspects. Above many, a fresh professional will be bold in their pursuit of successfully completing campaigns for clients. The individuals also tend to not waver in their endeavors because there are no preconceived stereotypes associated with the transactional or relational business.

Don’t be weary – young PR Professionals are here to make a statement.

 

Please feel free to view my story, experience, and digital portfolio, which can be accessed through the navigation menu at the top of the page.